The Howell Family has had a long association with the Avoca Football Club.
Early details are sparse, but the Howell name first appeared in club records in 1902 as a player and in 1905 as a player and committee man.
Sid Howell played from 1921.
Erroll Howell made his debut with Avoca in 1927 and is regarded as one of the clubs all-time greats.
His career with Avoca almost ended prematurely.
After he had had three very successful years and played a key role in three consecutive premierships, Amphitheatre tried to entice the 22 year old to switch clubs.
Avoca rejected the clearance application, and promptly appointed Erroll captain.
His superb career is detailed in chapter seven.
Erroll helped reform the football club in 1944 towards the end of the war.
Some years later his eldest son, Jon, chose to play with Amphitheatre, which was closer to the family farm than Avoca.
When the Amphi club disbanded in 1960, Jon was one of several Amphitheatre footballers who joined Avoca.
Although he did not figure prominently in best player awards, Jon`s height and determination were fine assets, which ensured his permanent place in the side for the next three years.
Jon returned to Amphitheatre until the club disbanded again in 1976, when he became an enthusiastic committee man for Avoca.
In 1977, he coached the Avoca Under 16`s to a memorable premiership, defeating Navarre by two points.
Jon`s son, Graeme Howell, was a member of the 1977 Under 16’s premiership side.
In 1984, another son, Ashley rekindled the family reputation of winning the Most Determined Player award in the Under 16’s and the clubs Reserves Best & Fairest award in 1990.
Jon’s brother, Peter Howell, has given the club valuable service and is a fine example of a dedicated supporter off the field.
Terry Howell, a cousin of Jon and Peter`s, became involved with the club as an official in 1985, when his sons Scott and Warren played Under 16’s football.
Scott gave notice of things to come when he was runner up in the League`s Under 16 Best & Fairest award.
Like their father, both Scott and Warren have a quite sincere nature, but have won a string of club awards, thus keeping alive the family reputation for determination and toughness.
In 1992, Scott easily won the Maffescioni trophy, a prestigious League award, which is now decided by votes from the clubs selectors.
He was also Avoca`s Best & Fairest award winner in 1992.
It was a particularly proud year for the boys father Terry Howell, who was President in 1992, a role he accepted again in 1993.
The Howell dynasty is certain to continue for many years, with Ross and Ben playing junior football in 1991.
